Walkers

For an item to be covered by Medicare, a written signed and dated order must be received by the supplier before a claim is submitted. If the supplier bills for an item addressed in this policy without first receiving the completed order, the item will be denied as not medically necessary.

A standard walker (E0130, E0135, E0141, E0143) and related accessories are covered if all of the following criteria (1-3) are met:

The patient has a mobility limitation that significantly impairs his/her ability to participate in one or more mobility-related activities of daily living (MRADL) in the home.

A mobility limitation is one that:

Prevents the patient from accomplishing the MRADL entirely, or

Places the patient at reasonably determined heightened risk of morbidity or mortality secondary to the attempts to perform the MRADL, or

Prevents the patient from completing the MRADL within a reasonable time frame

and

The patient is able to safely use the walker; and

The functional mobility deficit can be sufficiently resolved with use of a walker.

If all of the criteria are not met, the walker will be denied as not medically necessary.

A heavy duty walker (E0148, E0149) is covered for patients who meet coverage criteria for a standard walker and who weigh more than 300 pounds. If a E0148 or E0149 walker is provided and the patient does not weigh more than 300 pounds (i.e., KX modifier is absent - see Documentation section) but does meet coverage criteria for a standard walker, payment will be based on the allowance for the least costly medically appropriate alternative, E0135 or E0143 respectively.

A heavy duty, multiple braking system, variable wheel resistance walker (E0147) is covered for patients who meet coverage criteria for a standard walker and who are unable to use a standard walker due to a severe neurologic disorder or other condition causing the restricted use of one hand. Obesity, by itself, is not a sufficient reason for an E0147 walker. If an E0147 walker is provided and the coverage criteria for a standard walker are met but the additional coverage criteria for an
E0147 are not met, payment will be based on the allowance for the least costly medically appropriate alternative, E0143 or E0149 depending on the patient’s weight.

The medical necessity for a walker with an enclosed frame (E0144) compared to a standard folding wheeled walker, E0143, has not been established. Therefore, if the basic coverage criteria for a walker are met and code E0144 is billed, payment will be based on the allowance for the least costly medically appropriate alternative, E0143.

A walker with trunk support (E0140) is covered for patients who meet coverage criteria for a standard walker and who have documentation in the medical record justifying the medical necessity for the special features. If an E0140 walker is provided and the special features are not justified, but the patient does meet the coverage criteria for a standard walker, payment will be based on the allowance for the least costly medically appropriate alternative.

Leg extensions (E0158) are covered only for patients 6 feet tall or more.